The Whispering Fields

Joseph Collins
Foremost Press (2008)
ISBN 9780981841847
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (4/09)


“The Whispering Fields is a terrific place where all dogs can be happy and live out their lives in peace and safety from the rest of the world.” Joseph Collins writes of the haven for all of the unwanted.  Unwanted, a tragedy, but for so many pets so true.  As I wiped tears away after reading the prologue of “The Whispering Fields” I sat the book down and contemplated reading the remainder of the book.  I am so glad I chose to read. 

This unwanted adventure Toby has embarked on is like nothing he has ever experienced in his short life of two years.  Born into a litter of seven, he is enveloped in love.  There is nothing like the warm bodies of his family.  Toby is taken from this security of canine family when he is six-weeks-old and now lives with a human family.  All is well for a short while, which is all too common, and then Toby is abandoned on the roadside to live on his own. 

As Toby tries to figure out which path to take, he is partnered by a wise Max.  Max shows Toby the ropes of living as a stray and the journey begins.  As Toby learns and Max guides, they are shortly joined by Zeus, Bosco, and Dodger.  Their travel to the Whispering Fields is long, dangerous, and full of hope.  You will finish with a feel-good tickle in your belly and hope for mankind. 

I honestly enjoyed reading this book.  Although it brings to light the cruel nature of some humans, the insight is given through seeing life from the dog’s side touches your heart.   With each chapter you become more and more engrossed in their story and find yourself reading long after you should have gone to bed.

I have posted a quote from “The Whispering Fields” by Joseph Collins at the mailboxes at my office in hope that they will go home and give their doggie a big wet-one on the nose:  “No man spends too much time thinking about a dog unless it’s his own.  And even then, not always enough.” 

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